The Heathcote Wine and Food Festival on October 1 and 2 will feature more than 40 local wine producers, live music and games for all ages.
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, Heathcote Winegrowers Association is thrilled to welcome the festival, which showcases their products and attracts more than 3500 people to the town over two days.
The Heathcote region is best known for its red wines, particularly shiraz.
The festival is an icon on the Australian wine calendar and the showcase of the region’s major industry – running annually for more than 16 years.
New initiatives at the festival for 2022 include The Tasting Table – a series of educational tasting sessions led by Meg Brodtmann and Mel Gilchrist, hosts of Australia’s number one wine podcast, Wine with Meg and Mel.
There will also be a producer’s market – a dedicated food offering of Heathcote’s best producers.
Heathcote Winegrowers Association president Ian Hopkins encouraged people across the wider region to join in the fun at Heathcote Showgrounds.
Mr Hopkins said the topics at the The Tasting Table seminars would include Heathcote Whites; Med Reds; Food and Wine Pairing; and of course, Shiraz MasterClass.
He said those people overwhelmed with choice and not sure of which wines to buy, could check out the festival scavenger hunts.
“The festival is your chance to be among the first to sample new release wines from the Heathcote region and learn more about wines that have recently achieved success in international and national awards, including the Interpack Heathcote Wine Show which was held in late July,” he said.
Tickets are $15 online or $20 on the day and include four wines tasted and discussed over a 20-minute period. The tasting table only seats 12 people so tickets are limited.
“Another new space is The Producer’s Market showcasing best of central Victorian produce with a ready to eat offering by Chef Luis Calandro, showcasing locally-sourced spit-roasted meats,” he said.
There will also be live music on the stage by Bendigo Blues and Roots, children’s entertainment by Mr Mike and lawn games, providing fun for all ages.
There are a variety of ticketing options for the festival – with general admission costing $50 if pre-purchased online and $55 at the door.
General admission includes a Heathcote wine glass and all tastings.
The Golden Ticket, costing $110, is back again, in limited numbers, and includes festival tote bag, gourmet lunch box and exclusive access to a lounge area with guaranteed seating and shade.
Non-drinkers are also catered for with $15 tickets, and there are also weekend passes and tickets including bus transport from Bendigo and Melbourne on both days.
The Melbourne bus stops at Wallan train station at 10.15am.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.heathcotewinegrowers.com.au.
